Have you ever walked into a movie theater feeling skeptical, only to walk out completely blown away? Sometimes, movies that seem destined for disaster surprise us all by being unexpectedly delightful.
In the film industry, it’s not unusual for a movie to be dismissed before it even hits the screens, whether due to its bizarre concept, a less-than-stellar trailer, or simply the involvement of certain actors or filmmakers who haven’t charmed the critics lately.
Yet, every now and then, these underdogs rise above the odds, delivering not only impressive box office numbers but also genuine entertainment that leaves audiences asking for more.
1. “The Lego Movie” (2014)
Before its release, “The Lego Movie” might have seemed like a blatant attempt to sell toys under the guise of a feature film, which led many to predict it would be nothing more than a lengthy commercial.
However, the film quickly silenced doubters with its witty, charming script and a heartwarming message about creativity and individuality. Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller crafted a dynamic animated adventure that was both a critical and commercial success, proving that even a toy-based movie could offer depth and originality.
2. “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” (2003)
When Disney announced they were making a film based on a theme park ride, skepticism was the initial reaction. However, “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” quickly became a beloved classic upon its release.
Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow was both iconic and charismatic, bringing a unique flair to the film that captivated audiences worldwide. The movie not only launched a successful franchise but also redefined the pirate genre with its thrilling action and compelling storytelling.
3. “21 Jump Street” (2012)
Columbia Pictures.
Adapting a late-1980s TV drama into a modern comedic film seemed like a recipe for disaster, but “21 Jump Street” surprised everyone with its clever humor and fresh take on the buddy cop genre.
Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill displayed unexpected comedic chemistry, playing off each other with a perfect balance of slapstick and wit. The film was a critical and box office hit, leading to a successful sequel and solidifying its status as a comedy favorite.
4. “The Edge of Tomorrow” (2014)
With its confusing marketing campaign and another in a long line of sci-fi films starring Tom Cruise, expectations for “The Edge of Tomorrow” were lukewarm at best. Yet, the film stunned audiences with its inventive take on time loop narratives and well-executed action sequences.
The combination of thrilling combat and a smartly written script made it a standout in the science fiction genre, earning it high praise from both critics and viewers alike.
5. “Dredd” (2012)
After the disappointing reception of 1995’s “Judge Dredd” starring Sylvester Stallone, there was little enthusiasm for a reboot. Nonetheless, “Dredd” stripped down the excess of the original and presented a grittier, more focused story.
Karl Urban’s portrayal of the titular character was spot-on, capturing the stoic demeanor of the comic book icon without ever showing his face. The film’s realistic violence and dark tone won it a cult following, proving that a well-executed reboot can sometimes right the wrongs of its predecessors.
6. “Deadpool” (2016)
Given the character’s lackluster debut in “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” expectations were not high for Deadpool’s standalone film. Fans feared that his unique brand of humor and the essence of the comic book anti-hero would be lost in translation.
However, Ryan Reynolds championed a version true to the spirit of the original comics, combining irreverent humor, breaking the fourth wall, and action-packed sequences. The result was a smash hit that redefined what an R-rated superhero movie could be, leading to a new wave of adult-oriented superhero films.
7. “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” (2017)
Rebooting a beloved classic like “Jumanji” was seen as risky, especially with a shift from a board game to a video game setting. The decision to cast Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan in this new iteration added to the uncertainty, suggesting a shift towards a more comedic rather than adventurous tone.
Surprisingly, the film offered not only humor but also heartfelt moments and solid action, pleasing both new viewers and fans of the original. It became one of the year’s biggest box office hits, proving that a well-thought-out reboot could breathe new life into old franchises.
8. “Warm Bodies” (2013)
Summit Entertainment.
At first glance, a romantic comedy about a zombie falling in love with a human girl might seem like a recipe for disaster. “Warm Bodies” appeared to be riding the tail end of the zombie craze with a twist too far-fetched to work.
However, the film’s unique blend of humor and heart, along with strong performances by Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer, turned it into a charming and engaging story that transcended its genre mashup. This film not only entertained but also provided a fresh perspective on the traditional zombie narrative.
9. “Kingsman: The Secret Service” (2014)
The concept of a hyper-stylized spy film directed by Matthew Vaughn, known for his edgy and fast-paced movies, did not initially convince skeptics. Coupled with the casting of relatively unknown Taron Egerton alongside heavyweight stars like Colin Firth and Samuel L. Jackson, “Kingsman: The Secret Service” had its fair share of doubters.
Yet, it impressed audiences with its inventive action sequences, sharp wit, and a refreshing take on the spy genre, quickly gaining a loyal following and spawning sequels. The film proved that even in a crowded genre, there is room for innovation and fun.
10. “Pitch Perfect” (2012)
Brownstone Productions (II).
On paper, a movie about competitive college a cappella could easily have been dismissed as a niche interest with limited appeal. “Pitch Perfect” might have seemed destined to fade into obscurity, especially given its relatively modest budget and a cast not filled with A-list stars.
However, the movie’s smart script, catchy musical numbers, and standout performances, particularly by breakout star Rebel Wilson, captured the hearts of a wide audience. It defied expectations, leading to a successful franchise that celebrated music and comedy in equal measure.
11. “Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015)
Despite being a late sequel coming 30 years after the last installment, “Mad Max: Fury Road” was met with skepticism prior to its release. Many wondered if director George Miller could recapture the magic of his earlier films without Mel Gibson in the starring role.
However, the film, starring Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron, exploded onto screens with a ferocity and style that took audiences and critics by storm. Its high-octane action sequences and visually stunning cinematography not only reinvigorated the franchise but also earned it multiple Academy Awards.
12. “Guardians of the Galaxy” (2014)
Before its release, “Guardians of the Galaxy” seemed like a risky bet for Marvel Studios. Featuring a lesser-known group of heroes including a talking tree and a wisecracking raccoon, the film initially appeared too bizarre to succeed.
However, under the direction of James Gunn, the movie charmed viewers with its humor, heart, and a stellar soundtrack, quickly becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year and a beloved part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
13. “The Greatest Showman” (2017)
Bona Film Group.
“The Greatest Showman” was a musical that faced considerable doubt due to its glossy reinterpretation of P.T. Barnum’s life, which seemed potentially tone-deaf to historical accuracies. Moreover, musicals were considered a gamble in a blockbuster-dominated market.
Surprisingly, the film’s catchy songs and charismatic performance by Hugh Jackman won over a global audience, turning it into a box office success and a favorite for sing-along sessions in cinemas.
14. “John Wick” (2014)
Initially, “John Wick” appeared to be just another action movie led by Keanu Reeves, whose career had seen ups and downs. The premise—a retired hitman avenging his puppy’s death—sounded thin and hardly innovative.
However, the film’s stylish execution, intense action sequences, and Reeves’ compelling performance turned it into a cult hit, revitalizing his career and spawning a successful action franchise renowned for its choreography and world-building.
15. “Sonic the Hedgehog” (2020)
When the first trailer for “Sonic the Hedgehog” was released, the backlash over Sonic’s design was intense, prompting a complete redesign of the character. This rocky start left many expecting a disaster.
However, the final film received praise for its family-friendly humor and fun performances, particularly Jim Carrey’s return to form as the villainous Dr. Robotnik. It proved successful enough to clear the way for a sequel, showing that even a troubled production can result in a widely enjoyable film.
No More Cliffhangers: 21 Shows on Netflix That Actually Finish Their Stories
Are you in the mood for a lazy day and some binge-watching? There’s nothing better than winding down with a couple episodes of your favorite television show. But with so many options out there, where should you start?
No More Cliffhangers: 21 Shows on Netflix That Actually Finish Their Stories
12 TV Shows That Stopped Being Great After Only One Season
It’s not unusual for shows to eventually go downhill or for them to be bad from the start and get worse, but these TV shows stopped being great after only one season. No more, no less.
That’s not to say these shows aren’t worth watching (at least some of them) but if you’re thinking of checking some of them out it might be a good idea to quit after season 1!